Don’t Fall for the 'Digital Arrest': 5 WhatsApp Features Standing Between You and Scammers

Imagine receiving a video call from someone in a crisp police uniform. They flash an official-looking badge, know your name, and claim you are under "digital arrest" for a serious crime. The threat is immediate: transfer funds now to avoid jail time.

It sounds terrifying, and that is exactly what fraudsters rely on. Digital arrest scams are surging, designed entirely to manipulate fear and panic.

The Scale of the Crisis in India

This psychological warfare has grown into one of the country's most damaging financial threats. Data submitted to the Supreme Court by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) paints a staggering picture of the epidemic: 

• Massive Financial Toll: Victims across India have collectively lost more than ₹3,000 crore to digital arrest scams. 
• Thousands of Targets: In just the first eight months of this year, the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal recorded 21,928 digital arrest complaints siphoning off more than ₹647 crore. 
• Judicial Crackdown: The crisis is so severe that the Supreme Court of India is aggressively stepping in, proposing that banks must be held strictly liable to compensate victims if a failure in banking due diligence allows these fraudulent transactions to go through. 

Here is the hard truth: no law enforcement or government agency will ever contact you via a phone or video call to conduct an investigation or demand money. 

To help you build a digital firewall around your conversations, WhatsApp has deployed a suite of advanced security tools. Here are five essential built-in features you should activate right now to spot scams and protect your account.

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1. The Digital Guard: Silence Unknown Callers

Scammers love the element of surprise. They use unsolicited calls to catch you off guard, relying on high-pressure tactics to force hasty decisions. By automatically filtering out unrecognized numbers, you take away their loudest weapon.

• How it works: It automatically screens out spam, scams, and calls from unknown accounts.
• 🔒 Safety Tip: Go to Settings > Privacy > Calls and enable Silence Unknown Callers. You can still view these attempts safely in your Calls tab later without your phone ever ringing.

2. Pre-Call Intelligence: Advanced Caller Context

When an unknown number flashes on your screen, a little background information goes a long way. Android users now get a snapshot of who is on the other end before deciding to answer.

• How it works: WhatsApp now displays critical details for non-contact callers, such as whether the number is registered in a different country and if you share any mutual groups.
• 🔒 Safety Tip: Scammers weaponize urgency. If you see a foreign country code or zero mutual connections on an unexpected call, take a beat, pause, and let it go.

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3. The Fortified Lock: Alphanumeric Two-Step Verification

If a fraudster manages to trick you into sharing a one-time passcode (OTP), they can hijack your account. Two-step verification acts as your secondary deadbolt. WhatsApp has recently upgraded this feature from a simple numeric PIN to a robust password system.

• How it works: You can now secure your account using a longer, alphanumeric password complete with special characters, making it exponentially harder for hackers to crack.
• 🔒 Safety Tip: If you are still using "123456" or your birth year as your PIN, consider this your sign to upgrade. Never share your verification codes or OTPs with anyone.

4. The Eject Button: Block, Report, and Context Cards

When a shady message lands in your inbox, WhatsApp’s automated context cards immediately flag the risk profile of the sender. If you open a chat with a stranger, a card pops up showing if the account was recently created or if the number is from overseas.

• How it works: If the interaction feels suspicious, you can block the user and report the behavior to WhatsApp with a single tap.
• 🔒 Safety Tip: If a contact threatens arrest or demands money, block them instantly. Take the extra step to report the fraud to India’s National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or visit the official National Cybercrime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in. [1]

5. Hijack Interception: Device Linking Warnings

A common social engineering tactic involves scammers tricking victims into scanning a QR code or sharing a linking code to mirror their WhatsApp account onto a secondary device.

• How it works: WhatsApp’s backend system monitors behavioral signals. If a device-linking request looks suspicious, the app pauses the action, displays a clear scam warning, and shows exactly where the geographical request is originating.
• 🔒 Safety Tip: Never scan a QR code or share a linking code at someone else's request. Routinely audit your account by checking Settings > Linked Devices and immediately logging out of any device you don't recognize.

Ayaz Ismail Unveils “Sadke Tere,” a Soulful Romantic Single Mastered by Grammy-Nominated Engineer Dale Becker

The breathtaking music video for the new track was shot on location in the pristine islands of Lakshadweep.

MUMBAI, Oct 20, 2026 — Acclaimed singer, composer, and music producer Ayaz Ismail has officially released his highly anticipated romantic single, “Sadke Tere.” The track is a heartfelt musical expression of unconditional love, devotion, and the beautiful vulnerability of surrendering one’s heart to another.

Penned by celebrated lyricist Seema Saini, the track beautifully intertwines Hindi and Punjabi expressions, capturing the essence of a love so profound that it transcends admiration to become an act of pure devotion. Through poetic imagery and deeply expressive verses, the song celebrates the feeling of finding an entire universe in a single person.

Composed and performed entirely by Ayaz Ismail, the song brings together soulful melodies, intimate vocals, and elegant musical textures, creating a listening experience that feels both cinematic and deeply personal.

Adding a premium international dimension to the production, the track was mastered by Dale Becker, a Latin Grammy-winning and nine-time Grammy-nominated mastering engineer. Becker, whose stellar portfolio includes chart-topping projects with global superstars like Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber, SZA, and Doja Cat, brings world-class sonic craftsmanship to the record, elevating its emotional depth and musical intimacy. 

The visual narrative of "Sadke Tere" is just as enchanting as its audio. Shot in the breathtaking islands of Lakshadweep, India, the music video is directed by Afvin Mathews. Set against the picturesque expanse of the Arabian Sea, the pristine island landscapes, turquoise waters, and natural serenity provide a cinematic backdrop that perfectly mirrors the purity and tenderness of the composition.

The musical arrangement is further enriched by expressive backing vocals from Sindhu Rajaramji and acoustic warmth from guitarist Bruce (@crazyfingers.bruce), adding immense depth to the romantic single.

Distributed under the iThinkSound banner, "Sadke Tere" marks a stellar new chapter in Ayaz Ismail’s musical journey, reflecting his ongoing passion for creating music that seamlessly bridges cultures, emotions, and listeners across borders.

"Sadke Tere" is now available for streaming on all major digital music platforms worldwide.

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Official Song Credits:

• Title: Sadke Tere
• Singer & Composer: Ayaz Ismail
• Lyrics: Seema Saini
• Music Video Director: Afvin Mathews
• Filming Location: Lakshadweep, India
• Mastering Engineer: Dale Becker
• Backing Vocals: Sindhu Rajaramji
• Guitars: Bruce (@crazyfingers.bruce)
• Release Date: October 20, 2026
• Label/Copyright: © 2026 iThinkSound

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Every Tehsil Can Become a Power Producer: Vineet Mittal, Chairman, Avaada Group

Actor and Gorakhpur MP Shri Ravi Kishan visits Avaada pavilion at REI Expo 2026 to explore rooftop solar solutions, highlighting their potential to lower electricity bills and strengthen energy self-reliance.

GREATER NOIDA, 2026 – India can dramatically strengthen its energy security and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels by enabling every tehsil to become an independent power producer, stated Shri Vineet Mittal, Chairman of Avaada Group, at the Renewable Energy India Expo (REI Expo) 2026.

Highlighting India's vast solar and wind resources, Mittal explained that combining renewable energy with advanced storage solutions will deliver reliable, round-the-clock clean power. He emphasised the critical need to transition from a traditional “petro-state” to a modern “electro-state,” thereby building a decentralised, self-reliant energy ecosystem insulated from global fuel supply shocks.

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“If every tehsil becomes a power producer, we can directly address localized power shortages, ease transmission pressure on the grid, and move closer to genuine energy self-reliance,” Mittal said at the Avaada pavilion.

Reflecting on the evolution of the industry, Mittal recalled a pivotal meeting with then-Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in 2008, noting how early policy support accelerated India's solar journey. At the time, conventional thermal power cost around ₹3 per unit, while the introductory solar tariff offered in Gujarat was approximately ₹15 per unit. This visionary policy push laid the groundwork for rapid technological progress, robust investment, and massive economies of scale, ultimately making solar power one of the most cost-competitive sources of electricity today.

With India’s non-fossil fuel-based power capacity now crossing the historic 300 GW mark, Mittal stated that the next phase of the transition requires sustained investments in generation, storage, grid transmission, and domestic manufacturing to ensure clean power is reliably delivered whenever and wherever it is needed.

High-Efficiency Technology and Domestic Manufacturing

Mittal highlighted the role of high-efficiency solar technology in driving mass adoption, particularly for rooftop installations where spatial constraints are common. Avaada Electro's flagship 720 Wp solar modules are engineered to deliver maximum power output per square meter, allowing residential and commercial users to optimize limited rooftop space.

He also underscored Avaada's heavy investments in securing the domestic supply chain. Avaada Electro currently operates 8.5 GW of solar module manufacturing capacity and 3 GW of solar cell manufacturing capacity across its advanced facilities in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. To support India's broader clean-energy mandates, the company plans to scale its capacity to 13.6 GW for solar modules and 12 GW for solar cells, alongside a newly planned 3 GW ingot-wafer facility.

MP Ravi Kishan Explores Rooftop Solar for Gorakhpur

Renowned actor and Gorakhpur Member of Parliament, Shri Ravi Kishan, visited the Avaada pavilion at REI Expo 2026 to explore dedicated rooftop solar configurations for his constituency office. Having already adopted solar energy at his personal residence, the lawmaker cited the proven economic benefits as his primary motivation for extending adoption to his official premises.

“When I met Vineet Ji, I was deeply impressed by his vision for India and his commitment to reaching remote villages where development is traditionally difficult. Wherever the word ‘impossible’ comes up, Avaada steps forward to make it possible," said Shri Ravi Kishan. "I visited the Avaada pavilion to explore tailored solar solutions for my Gorakhpur office. These systems offer an immediate opportunity to reduce operational electricity costs, and I am actively moving forward with this investment.”

The MP added that he will launch an advocacy push within his constituency to encourage citizens to adopt high-efficiency rooftop solar panels to lower their monthly utility bills. “This is the future. It saves citizens money, protects the nation's grid, and drastically reduces our collective dependence on energy imports,” Ravi Kishan noted.

Furthering his commitment to green energy infrastructure, the lawmaker highlighted broader deployment plans for Gorakhpur, including a proposed 20 MW floating solar project at Chilua Tal and an ongoing initiative to mandate solar installations across railway station rooftops—an issue he has actively championed through formal representations to the Railway Ministry and debates in Parliament.

Both Shri Ravi Kishan and Shri Vineet Mittal concluded by reinforcing that making clean energy accessible to everyday households, businesses, and local communities remains the ultimate goal. As India continues its aggressive renewable expansion, the integration of decentralised generation, high-output rooftop solar, localized storage, and robust domestic manufacturing will form the bedrock of a cleaner, more affordable, and secure energy future.

Federal Bank Scripts Historic Q2 Performance with Record Profit and Strong Asset Quality

Net profit surges 45% to ₹1,386 crore as lender crosses major business milestones; NPAs fall to decade-low levels

Mumbai, October 16, 2026: Federal Bank has delivered its strongest quarterly performance on record, reporting a net profit of ₹1,386.09 crore for the second quarter of FY27, marking a robust 45.10 percent year-on-year growth and underscoring the success of its core banking strategy.

The private sector lender not only recorded its highest-ever quarterly profit but also crossed key milestones during the quarter, with its total business franchise exceeding ₹6.4 lakh crore and gross advances surpassing the ₹3 lakh crore mark for the first time.

The performance reflects broad-based growth across key business segments, improved margins, rising fee income, and a significant strengthening of asset quality, positioning the bank strongly for the second half of the financial year.

Core Banking Business Drives Growth

Federal Bank's earnings momentum was powered primarily by the expansion of its core banking operations. Net Interest Income (NII), a key measure of lending profitability, rose by 26.38 percent year-on-year to ₹3,153.40 crore, outpacing overall advances growth.

The bank also witnessed a substantial increase in fee-based revenues. Fee income grew 31.86 percent to an all-time high of ₹1,167.71 crore, contributing to a record other income figure of ₹1,490.44 crore, up nearly 38 percent from the corresponding quarter last year.

Operating profit increased by 35.35 percent to ₹2,225.37 crore, while earnings per share climbed 44.34 percent to ₹22.26.

Asset Quality Reaches Decadal Best

One of the most notable highlights of the quarter was the continued improvement in asset quality.

Federal Bank reported its lowest gross and net non-performing asset (NPA) levels in a decade, with Gross NPA declining to 1.32 percent and Net NPA coming down to 0.17 percent.

The strengthening of the loan book was supported by lower slippages, which declined 27.48 percent year-on-year, while the slippage ratio improved to 0.59 percent, compared with 0.94 percent a year earlier.

The bank's Provision Coverage Ratio, excluding technical write-offs, improved to 86.78 percent, offering an added cushion against potential credit risks. Coverage including technical write-offs stood at 94.49 percent.

The restructured loan portfolio also reduced significantly, accounting for just 0.46 percent of gross advances, reflecting the resilience of the bank's lending book.

Margins Improve Despite Competitive Environment

Federal Bank's profitability metrics received support from improving margins and declining funding costs.

Net Interest Margin (NIM) expanded by 26 basis points year-on-year to 3.32 percent, while the cost of funds dropped by 40 basis points. Cost of deposits also moderated to 5.18 percent, helping improve overall lending spreads.

The bank further strengthened operational efficiency, with its cost-to-income ratio improving by 196 basis points to 52.08 percent.

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Business Franchise Scales New Heights

Federal Bank's overall business crossed ₹6.44 lakh crore, registering a growth of 20.12 percent over the previous year.

Total deposits rose 18.61 percent to ₹3.43 lakh crore, while gross advances grew 21.66 percent to ₹3.02 lakh crore.

The bank's CASA (Current Account Savings Account) franchise continued to deepen. CASA balances increased 22.56 percent to ₹1.10 lakh crore, surpassing the growth rate of the overall deposit book. Consequently, the CASA ratio improved to 32.04 percent.

Federal Bank also reported strong traction in its non-resident business. NR deposits reached ₹1.19 lakh crore, growing 26.63 percent, while FCNR(B) deposits registered an exceptional 239 percent increase.

Growth Led by High-Yield Segments

The bank's focus on granular, high-yield lending segments continued to deliver results.

Among the standout performers:

• Gold loans grew 37.13 percent
• Loan Against Property (LAP) rose 32.21 percent
• Credit card business expanded 28.27 percent
• Commercial banking grew 25.46 percent
• Commercial Vehicle and Construction Equipment financing increased 21.74 percent
• Corporate and Institutional Banking grew 17.19 percent to more than ₹1.04 lakh crore
• Business Banking returned to double-digit growth at 12.39 percent

These segments are contributing not only to growth but also to profitability and risk diversification.

Returns and Capital Position Strengthen

The bank's return ratios improved significantly during the quarter.

Return on Assets (RoA) increased to 1.32 percent, while Return on Equity (RoE) improved to 13.57 percent. Book value per share rose 17.48 percent year-on-year to ₹166.32.

Meanwhile, Federal Bank maintained a comfortable capital position, with Capital Adequacy Ratio (CRAR) at 16.84 percent and Tier-I capital at 15.76 percent, providing ample room to support future growth.

The bank also expanded its physical presence by adding 12 new branches during the quarter, taking its network to 1,662 banking outlets across the country.

Leadership Confident of Sustained Momentum

Commenting on the results, KVS Manian, Managing Director & CEO of Federal Bank, described the quarter as a landmark period for the institution.

According to Manian, the record profit, growth in core income streams, rising fee income, and decade-low NPAs demonstrate that the bank is successfully balancing rapid growth with disciplined risk management.

He emphasized that the bank's chosen business segments, along with the strengthening CASA and non-resident franchises, continue to gain momentum. With a healthy capital base, granular balance sheet and improving interest-rate environment, the lender expects to enter the second half of FY27 from a position of strength.

Outlook

Federal Bank's latest results signal a bank that is not only growing rapidly but doing so with improving asset quality, stronger profitability, and increasing operating efficiency. With record earnings, expanding market presence, and one of the strongest balance sheets in recent years, the lender appears well placed to capitalize on emerging opportunities in India's growing banking landscape.

The Price of Viral Fame: How Fake News Is Damaging the Reputation of Online Media

In today’s digital world, news can travel across the globe in seconds. A post, short video or dramatic headline can reach millions of people before a newsroom has had time to verify the facts. This speed has transformed how people discover current affairs, but it has also created an environment in which rumours and fabricated stories can spread rapidly. When attention becomes more valuable than accuracy, the credibility of online media is put at risk.

False celebrity death reports are a particularly disturbing example. From claims about Kareena Kapoor and Johnny Lever to rumours involving Nana Patekar and other public figures, sensational posts can prompt shock, grief and confusion before anyone checks whether the information is true. Such examples should be treated as claims that require verification—not repeated as facts. A celebrity’s name, photograph or an urgent-looking thumbnail does not make a story reliable.

The Allure of Virality

Social platforms reward content that attracts reactions, comments, shares and watch time. Some publishers and accounts exploit this incentive by using alarming headlines, misleading thumbnails or edited clips to make ordinary or unverified claims appear like breaking news. The result is a race for visibility in which a story may be published first and checked later—or never checked at all.

A post’s popularity is not evidence of its accuracy. Yet audiences may assume that a claim must be true if thousands of people have shared it or if it appears in a polished video. In reality, repetition can make a false claim seem familiar without making it factual. Once a rumour begins circulating, corrections often struggle to reach the same audience as the original sensational post.

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The Damage Is Real

Fake news harms more than the person targeted by a rumour. It can distress families and fans, waste the time of journalists who must debunk false claims, and weaken confidence in legitimate reporting. When people repeatedly encounter fabricated stories, they may begin to doubt genuine news as well. That loss of trust can have serious consequences when the public needs reliable information about health, elections, emergencies or other important events.

The damage also affects responsible digital publishers. News organisations that invest in reporting, source verification and editorial review can be unfairly grouped with accounts that publish unsubstantiated claims for clicks. In the long run, a short burst of traffic is a poor trade for a reputation that took years to build.

What Can Readers and Platforms Do?

Readers can begin with a simple pause before sharing. Check whether the report is carried by multiple established news organisations, look for an official statement from the person or their representative, and examine the date and origin of any image or video. Be cautious of posts that use phrases such as “shocking news” or “confirmed” without naming a credible source. If a story cannot be verified, do not forward it as fact.

Publishers and content creators have a responsibility to correct errors clearly and promptly. Headlines should reflect what the evidence supports, and uncertain information should be labelled as unconfirmed. Social media platforms can help by making reporting tools accessible, limiting the reach of repeatedly debunked material where appropriate, and giving users better context about the sources they encounter. These steps should be applied transparently and in ways that respect legitimate debate and freedom of expression.

The Road Ahead

Social media and digital news are not inherently unreliable. They can help people discover important developments, hear diverse perspectives and access information quickly. The challenge is to distinguish useful reporting from content designed mainly to provoke a reaction. Platforms, publishers and audiences all share responsibility for making that distinction.

The future of online media depends on a clear principle: speed should never replace verification. Viral fame may bring short-term clicks, but accuracy earns long-term respect. If digital news wants to remain relevant and trusted, it must put truth, fairness and journalistic responsibility ahead of sensationalism.

“The real value of digital media is not measured by how quickly a story goes viral, but by how much the public can trust the information it receives. When a platform circulates an unverified celebrity death rumour or presents speculation as breaking news, it may gain temporary attention, but it risks damaging the credibility of the entire online media ecosystem. Every publisher and content creator must remember that behind every headline are real people, real families and real audiences who deserve accuracy and respect. Readers also have a role to play: pause, verify the source, seek confirmation from credible outlets and avoid sharing claims simply because they are shocking or popular," observes Pankaj Bansal, Founder of NewsPatrolling.com.

"Digital platforms can remain powerful tools for information and public conversation, but only if truth comes before traffic. Verification, transparency and accountability must be treated as essential standards—not optional steps. In the long run, credibility is the strongest asset any news organisation can build, and once public trust is lost, winning it back is far more difficult than earning a few viral clicks,” concludes Bansal who is also the writer of this opinion feature.

(An opinion article)

‘Suryavanshi Agrasen’ Teaser Launch Celebrates Maharaja Agrasen’s Enduring Legacy

‘Suryavanshi Agrasen’ Teaser and Poster Unveiled in Delhi, Reviving Maharaja Agrasen’s Legacy for a New Generation

Delhi, October 10, 2026: The teaser and poster of the upcoming Hindi historical drama Suryavanshi Agrasen, inspired by the life and legacy of Maharaja Agrasen, were unveiled at a grand event held at Delhi's historic Ramlila Maidan on Saturday.

Despite heightened security arrangements and traffic restrictions across the national capital due to ongoing protests seeking the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, the launch ceremony was conducted successfully and witnessed an enthusiastic response from attendees.

The event was graced by distinguished chief guests Swami Balkanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Basant Mittal, Gopal Goyal, and Vipin Goyal, whose presence added significance to the occasion.

Speaking about the vision behind the film, producer Ram Kishan Agrawal said, “Suryavanshi Agrasen is not merely a film; it is a cultural initiative aimed at reconnecting the younger generation with our heritage and Sanatan values. Maharaja Agrasen's teachings of social harmony, equality and economic prosperity remain highly relevant even today. Through cinema, we hope to take these timeless ideals to every household.”

The teaser and poster unveiling coincided with the All India Agrawal Conference, Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti celebrations, and the Delhi State Oath-Taking Ceremony, making the occasion even more special for members of the Agrawal community.

The gathering witnessed the participation of prominent industrialists, social workers, community leaders and thousands of attendees from different parts of the country, reflecting widespread enthusiasm for the project.

Produced under the banner of Teen Baan Dhari Movie Productions, Suryavanshi Agrasen is being produced by Ram Kishan Agrawal and directed by filmmaker Sujeet Kumar. The film seeks to pay tribute to Maharaja Agrasen's enduring ideals of courage, compassion, sacrifice, equality and ethical governance through a grand cinematic narrative.

Swami Balkanand Giri Maharaj, Karanvir Bohra, Basant Mittal, Prachi Bansal with Vinit Lohiya 

The film features a notable ensemble cast comprising Karanvir Bohra, Prachi Bansal, Rajesh Bhati, Farheen Falak, and veteran actor Milind Gunaji in key roles. The film is edited by Shailendra Kumar.

Sharing his excitement, director Sujeet Kumar said, “Suryavanshi Agrasen has been mounted on a grand scale with a strong focus on historical authenticity and detailed production design. We are confident that the film will instill a sense of pride in audiences across India. The overwhelming response to the teaser and poster has been truly motivating for the entire team.”

He also acknowledged the contributions of lyricist and music composer Satish Sharma, singers Sukhwinder Singh, Shaan, and Ritu Pathak, along with Navdeep Moudgill and Shailendra Kumar, for their support in bringing the project to life.

Sujeet Kumar further expressed his gratitude to Associate Producer Pankaj Agarwal for his contribution to the film's journey.

The film's public relations and media outreach are being handled by Dinesh Yadav of Ishrajee PR Media Entertainment.

About the upcoming Film - Suryavanshi Agrasen

Suryavanshi Agrasen is a historical drama that chronicles the life, values and vision of Maharaja Agrasen, presenting his timeless message of equality, social welfare and economic empowerment for contemporary audiences. Through an engaging cinematic experience, the film aims to inspire younger generations to reconnect with India's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

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